Super Typhoon Sinlaku closes in on the CNMI as at 7pm NZT, Tuesday 14 April 2026.
Photo: zoom.earth
Guam
Guam’s national power company is estimating US$10 million in damages and operations costs after April’s Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
Last week, the Guam Power Authority reported the $10 million included $2.7 million in expenses incurred due to Sinlaku’s passage near Guam, and more than $7 million in damages.
Pacific Daily News reported the Authority’s general manager saying they were back delivering about 99 per cent of regular energy demand for Guam by 23 April.
Meanwhile, the grid in Saipan in the Northern Marianas – which was hit directly by the storm – was providing just over half of its normal load to customers as of 19 May.
Samoa
The US and Samoa have launched the island nation’s Tsunami Ready Recognition Program.
The US Embassy in Apia said the program is community-based and helps coastal communities strengthen tsunami preparedness, including through evacuation planning and warning systems.
In 2017, Savaia Lefaga became the first community in the Pacific to receive tsunami-ready recognition.
The Embassy said Samoa has also benefited from technical guidance on tsunami evacuation mapping, hazard signage, and preparedness standards, via the International Tsunami Information Center and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.
Tonga
Tonga’s minister of health has called for global health architecture that reflects the realities of small island developing states.
Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni spoke at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Hu’akavameiliku called for stronger coordination, less fragmentation, and more predictable and equitable financing, while welcoming the World Healtrh Organisation’s joint process to evolve global health systems.
He highlighted the progress Pacific nations continue to make, while noting growing pressures facing the region, including climate-driven health threats and persistent financing challenges.
New Caledonia/United States
The US State Department has officially lowered its travel advisory for New Caledonia.
Last week, the advisory moved from level three, “reconsider travel”, to level two, “exercise increased caution”.
The decision follows deadly unrest in 2024.
Islands Business reported while the territory is now considered generally safe, Americans are still urged to remain vigilant, particularly outside Noumea at night.
Fiji
Fiji is set to train the next generation of Pacific pilots with the opening of the Pacific Centre for Aviation Studies, at Fiji National University (FNU) in Nadi.
Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, who formally opened the school on Friday, said it’s a major milestone for Fiji and the region.
Plans include regional scholarships, international standards, and expanded training opportunities.
FNU vice chancellor, professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said it will also widen access for Pacific students and strengthen aviation industry partnerships.
Samoa
Samoa’s Government has approved $4.2 million tālā – around US$1.56 million – towards three infrastructure projects.
Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt said the money will be spread across a new courthouse at Mulinuu, a three-year traffic light project, and a new control tower at Matautu wharf.
The Samoa Observer reported the courthouse is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
La’aulialemalietoa said the new control tower was needed to monitor boats entering the wharf area.
Fiji/Scotland
A woman born in Fiji has been elected to the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh South Western.
38-year-old Simita Kumar was born in Suva and raised in Samabula, and moved to Glasgow in 2005 with her family.
The Fiji Times reported her entry into politics for the Scottish National Party followed years of community work and advocacy.
During her election night speech, Kumar called for greater civility in politics, saying: “let kindness and civility guide us, even in disagreement”.
